Wayne Mardle has confirmed his participation in Sky Sports’ Premier League Darts coverage on Thursday evening following supporter concerns about his wellbeing. The renowned darts commentator posted an emotional and moving video on social media discussing the ‘brutal’ loss of his wife.

Donna Mardle tragically died in 2024 at the age of 52 after a brief illness, with the couple having been married for 22 years at the time of her passing. In an emotional clip shared on TikTok, Wayne revealed to followers how he continues to grapple with the grief of losing his partner.

Mardle said: “This is a first for me, I’m having one of those days. This is the first of another genre of TikTok for me, I think you may even call it ‘GriefTok’ nowadays. Normally it is a bit of golf and a bit of darts. My wife Donna died on December 11, 2024, so about 430 odd days ago, I used to count the days, call that progress, call it what you like.

“It doesn’t feel like progress, it is absolutely brutal. The reason I’m doing this is, whilst it is brutal, I am still here and all you can do is keep trying, right, keep trying.

“It is a process, so I’m told and you go through stages. You don’t go through stages. You go through phases, there’s a phase and then there’s another phase. Before you know it that phase is returning so the stage or phase you think is going to pass, it doesn’t work that way.

“So however you’re feeling is how you’re feeling, don’t worry about it and when I say that I literally mean deal with it how you feel you want to deal with it, there’s no right or wrong here. I used to literally go everyday to Donna’s graveside. I haven’t been there for the past… well, since Christmas Day and it is now February 21.

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“I don’t feel guilty, I just feel like I can’t do it because it beats me, beats me every time I go over there, you have a millisecond off of forgetting, right, that’s about it.

“But I just want to tell you all, that those who are going through similar, don’t overthink it, don’t double bluff yourself, just get on with it how you think is right and the people who question you are not your friends, they’re not your family, they have a perception of grief, it’s incorrect.

“It’s just brutal, it really is brutal but all I’m saying to all of you is, if I can help one person, I’m not even helping myself here, I don’t know what I’m doing, just do it how you want to do it, don’t overthink it, please don’t. I hope tomorrow is better than today.”

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Well-wishers expressed worry for Mardle following his heartfelt post, with numerous people offering their support. Aston Villa defender Matty Cash featured amongst those leaving messages, writing: “Legend mate, stay strong x.”

One follower commented: “We’re all with you, the best commentator in darts,” whilst another wrote: “What a guy, to be this vulnerable, we love you Wayne, you are not alone, no one will ever replace Donna, but a lot of people love you.”

The three-time PDC majors runner-up later responded on X, confirming his presence as part of Sky Sports’ commentary panel for this week’s Premier League Darts in Belfast. The 52-year-old said: “I’ve had a many messages and texts over the last hour or so. I’m ok. I assure you, you’ll hear me spouting absolute tripe as usual on Thursday at the Premier League. Loves!”